NFL Week 13 awards: The Allen Robinson breakout is here

Passing out awards from Week 13 in the NFL

It was a “chalk” weekend in the NFL … with one glaring exception. No one (and I mean no one) expected the New England Patriots to go down in flames in Foxboro against the Philadelphia Eagles, and that is yet another example of the topsy-turvy nature of the league.

In this space, we will once again bring you a breakdown of the best performances over a jam-packed NFL weekend, and we will do so by handing out awards for the elite of the elite. Let’s get things going this week with a look at the rookies of the week on both sides of the ball.

Offensive Rookie of the Week

Marcus Mariota, QB Tennessee Titans

This isn’t the first time that Mariota has earned this particular honor, but the former Oregon star may have had his best game of the season in Week 13. The most memorable play for Mariota came when he ran for an 87-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter of a 42-39 win over Jacksonville, but it wasn’t only his legs that made Mariota dangerous in this spot.

The No. 2 overall pick completed 20 of his 29 throws for 268 yards and three touchdowns on the day, and he posted a QBR of 96.6 for his trouble. Mariota’s rare combination of accuracy, pocket awareness and mobility is quite impressive, and the full package was on display against the Jaguars as he led his team to victory.

Runner-up: Thomas Rawls, RB Seattle Seahawks

Defensive Rookie of the Week

Eddie Goldman, DT Chicago Bears

At 6-foot-3 and 332 pounds, it isn’t necessarily Eddie Goldman’s job to generate pass rush, but he managed to do that and more on Sunday. The former Florida State nose tackle produced two sacks to go along with an additional hit and two quarterback pressures during his team’s 26-20 loss to the 49ers. Beyond that, he was an excellent deterrent in the running game as well.

As a second round draft pick, expectations were high for Goldman after he landed in Chicago, but this type of showing certainly exceeds them. He has the upside of a Pro Bowler on the interior, and that was illuminated in a big way as he tore apart San Francisco’s interior line.

Runner-up: Frank Clark, DE Seattle Seahawks

Next: Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week